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Hyundai Santa Fe — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Hyundai Santa Fe model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
28
Years to Avoid
2017, 2013
Best Years
2006, 2000
2027
0 complaints0 recalls3 TSBs
2026
56 complaints4 recalls13 TSBs
2025
204 complaints5 recalls42 TSBs
2024
228 complaints7 recalls42 TSBs
2023
331 complaints1 recalls51 TSBs
2022
316 complaints5 recalls98 TSBs
2021
244 complaints7 recalls1 invest.104 TSBs
2020
308 complaints2 recalls1 invest.113 TSBs
2019
292 complaints2 recalls1 invest.185 TSBs
2018
145 complaints2 recalls2 invest.117 TSBs
2017Avoid
1,298 complaints6 recalls3 invest.143 TSBs
2016
290 complaints3 recalls3 invest.114 TSBs
2015
333 complaints2 recalls3 invest.113 TSBs
2014
680 complaints3 recalls7 invest.121 TSBs
2013Avoid
807 complaints3 recalls8 invest.161 TSBs
2012
479 complaints1 recalls6 invest.101 TSBs
2011
268 complaints3 recalls5 invest.111 TSBs
2010
335 complaints3 recalls3 invest.122 TSBs
2009
509 complaints3 recalls1 invest.65 TSBs
2008
718 complaints6 recalls1 invest.67 TSBs
2007
984 complaints9 recalls2 invest.81 TSBs
2006Best Year
143 complaints1 recalls50 TSBs
2005
300 complaints3 recalls54 TSBs
2004
386 complaints3 recalls77 TSBs
2003
390 complaints4 recalls1 invest.90 TSBs
2002
219 complaints4 recalls1 invest.52 TSBs
2001
296 complaints4 recalls3 invest.135 TSBs
2000Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls24 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Hyundai Santa Fe Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2017, 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Hyundai Santa Fe, consider the 2006, 2000 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

28 model years analyzed